How to Make Authentic Italian Neapolitans: A Step-by-Step Guide

Neapolitans, those colorful, layered cookies with a delicate crunch, are a beloved treat around the world. Originating in Naples, Italy, these delightful cookies are like a little taste of sunshine, bringing a smile to anyone who takes a bite.

Whether you’re a baking enthusiast or just looking for a fun and rewarding recipe to try, this guide will walk you through each step of creating your own batch of authentic Italian Neapolitans. Get ready to impress your friends and family with these beautiful and delicious cookies!

Gathering Your Ingredients

Before we embark on our Neapolitan baking journey, let’s gather everything we need:

For the Cookies:

• 2 1/4 cups (280g) all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

For the Frosting:

• 4 cups (480g) powdered sugar
• 1/4 cup (60ml) milk
• 1/4 cup (60ml) heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• Pink food coloring
• Green food coloring

Special Equipment:

• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper
• Rolling pin
• 2-inch round cookie cutter
• Wire rack

Baking the Perfect Neapolitans: A Step-by-Step Guide

1. Preparing the Dough:

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
2. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
5. Divide the dough into three equal portions. Flatten each portion into a disk, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.

2. Rolling and Cutting the Cookies:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line your baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Lightly flour your work surface and rolling pin. Take one portion of dough from the refrigerator and roll it out to about 1/4-inch thickness.
3. Use a 2-inch round cookie cutter to cut out cookies, re-rolling scraps as needed.
4. Place the cookies onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 1 inch between each cookie.
5. Repeat steps 2-4 with the remaining two portions of dough.

3. Baking the Neapolitans:

1. Bake the cookies for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown.
2. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

4. Making the Colorful Frosting:

1. In a large bowl, beat together the powdered sugar, milk, heavy cream, and vanilla extract until smooth.
2. Divide the frosting into three equal portions.
3. Tint one portion of frosting pink, one portion green, and leave the remaining portion white.

5. Assembling the Neapolitans:

1. Once the cookies are completely cool, frost the bottom of one cookie with pink frosting.
2. Top with another cookie and frost with white frosting.
3. Add the final cookie and frost the top with green frosting.

6. Final Touches:

1. Allow the frosting to set completely before serving.

Tips and Tricks for Delicious Neapolitans:

• Room temperature ingredients are key: Make sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature before you begin. This will help create a smooth and well-combined dough.
• Don’t overmix the dough: Overmixing the dough can lead to tough cookies. Mix the ingredients until just combined.
• Chilling the dough is essential: Chilling the dough helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking.
• Use high-quality food coloring: This will ensure vibrant and beautiful colors for your frosting.
• Get creative with the frosting: Feel free to experiment with different food coloring to create your own unique color combinations.

FAQs about Making Neapolitans:

Can I use a different cookie cutter shape?
Absolutely! While the traditional shape is round, feel free to use any cookie cutter you like. Hearts, stars, or even festive shapes would work well.

Can I freeze Neapolitans?
Yes, you can freeze the assembled cookies in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

What should I serve with Neapolitans?
These cookies are delicious on their own, but they also pair well with a cup of coffee, tea, or a glass of milk.

Neapolitan Cookies Ingredients

Neapolitan Cookies Baking Sheet

Neapolitan Cookies Frosted

There you have it! Your guide to creating delicious, authentic Italian Neapolitans. Now it’s your turn to bring a taste of Italy to your kitchen. Happy baking!

Don’t forget to share your beautiful cookie creations with us in the comments below! And for more delicious recipes and baking adventures, be sure to explore the rest of Family Cuisine.